The Atlanta Braves will face off against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on Tuesday night at Truist Park. Braves manager Walt Weiss has shared how he plans to use catcher Sean Murphy ahead of Game 1.
Murphy was not listed in the Braves’ starting lineup for Game 1 on Tuesday. Drake Baldwin will instead start behind the plate, with Mike Yastrzemski serving as the designated hitter against Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo.
Weiss said that Murphy will be back behind the plate for Game 2 on Wednesday, which will move Baldwin to DH, per Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan.
Murphy has struggled mightily at the plate this season, hitting just .182 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 33 games. He also posted a .462 OPS in September.
Murphy first started his 2026 season on the injured list, recovering from hip surgery, and was later sent back to the IL after breaking his finger in May.
The 31-year-old was an All-Star in 2023 in his first season with the Braves after signing a six-year, $73 million contract.
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Baldwin, 25, was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2025 and was named to the NL All-Star team this season. The Braves are carrying only Baldwin and Murphy as catchers for the Wild Card roster.
The best-of-three series continues on Wednesday, with Game 2 set for 2:00 p.m. ET on all NBC Sports platforms, followed by Game 3 on Thursday if necessary, also set for 2:00 p.m. ET.
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